Joe Nick, whose Dallas Cowboys book just got reviewed by some New York newspaper, had initially described the event as the "Stoneleigh P Book Festival," and suggested a few authors who might be attending. I called up Tom Garrison, an owner of the longstanding Dallas hangout (Alan Peppard knows a few stories about it) and heard a rather relaxed Garrison promise that he would buy a round for any published writer who shows up Friday between 5 and 7 p.m.

My first thought was to the number of local writers we've reviewed over my tenure as book reviews editor, and thought of the drinking capacity of some of them, and I immediately feared for the bar's solvency. So I waited a few days, and called Tom back again, just a few minutes ago, just to make sure he meant what he said.

He confirmed: "I'm inviting all published authors to come have a toast," he said. He even put it on the bar's Facebook page. Although it's not stated there, he repeated to me on the phone: "I'll buy 'em a drink."

Now, there are some caveats here: He told me the free drink offer was good from 5 to 7 p.m. The Facebook page says 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Joe Nick said he would be there from 3 to 7 p.m. And I'm not sure what kind of proof of publication he'll be looking for. So -- go at your own risk.

But I would also say: This sounds like fun. If you make it -- let me know how it turns out. (The bar is located at 2926 Maple Ave.)